Their nation’s help was crucial in winning the American Revolution and today, on the 239th birthday of the U.S., it begins their big namesake bike race. Perfect timing for the 102nd Tour de France (NBC Sports Network, 7 p.m.) which begins its telegenic three week course through the European countryside today in the Netherlands.
It’s the 21st time the tour began outside of France and the sixth that it will be from the Netherlands, a record. Two days in Belgium will follow before it hits France and makes its way on a course that includes seven mountain stages, five with summit finishes. The cyclists from 32 nations will cover 3,360 kilometers through July 26. It’s a fast moving and bracing travelogue through some beautiful countryside. I just wish the bystanders would take a few steps back.
There will be crowds, too, at the fireworks, and a lot of fireworks to watch on TV if you happen to be locked in your house.
Bradley Whitford, new host of “A Capitol Fourth” (PBS, 9:30 p.m.), will be surprised how square that gathering has become, with Barry Manilow returning to headline and Alabama on the bill, along with Nicole Scherzinger, Hunter Hayes, KC and the Sunshine Band, Meghan Linsey, Ronan Tynan, Lang Lang, and Robert Davi, doing a tribute to Frank Sinatra. The crucial musical act is the National Symphony Orchestra, who will play the “1812 Overture,” not to celebrate the Canadians burning the White House, but the cannon parts that aid the fireworks.
The Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular (NBC, 10 p.m.) features performances from Kelly Clarkson, Brad Paisley, Flo Rida, Dierks Bentley and Meghan Trainor. Willie Geist and Tamron Hall host the event that also features that most American of things, commercials.
Not sure if it’s particularly patriotic, but it’s sure to spark a conversation at family gatherings: A rerun of Diane Sawyer’s “Bruce Jenner – The Interview” (ABC, 9 p.m.), though I’m pretty sure they shouldn’t call it that any longer.
Also on tonight, a replay of the documentary “Glen Campbell…I’ll Be Me” (CNN, 9 p.m.). Earlier is their ratings hit “Blackfish” (CNN, 7 p.m.).
Jonathan Strange returns from the war and joins Mr. Norrell to try and cure England’s mad King George III on “Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell” (BBC America, 10 p.m.).
Jack Whitehall, Lewis Hamilton and Rita Ora are on a new “Graham Norton Show” (BBC America, 11:15 p.m.).
Patriotic movies abound including a series of “marching musicals” on Turner Classic Movies that include “Yankee Doodle Dandy” (8 p.m.), “The Music Man” (10:15 p.m.) and “Rosalie” (1 a.m.). Earlier are Revolutionary-set films including “The Scarlet Coat” (TCM, 11:45 a.m.), “The Devil’s Disciple” (TCM, 1:30 p.m.), “1776” (TCM, 3 p.m.) and “Miss Firecracker” (TCM, 6 p.m.).
Later comes a whole different kind of revolutionary: “Cleopatra Jones” (TCM, 3:15 a.m.) and “Cleopatra and the Casino of Gold” (TCM, 4:45 a.m.).
Elsewhere, of course, is “Independence Day” (AMC, 7 and 10 p.m.) and also in Spanish on Telemundo at 8 p.m.
Baseball includes Tampa Bay at Yankees (Fox Sports 1, 1 p.m.), Cleveland at Pittsburgh (MLB, 4 p.m.), Mets at Dodgers (Fox, 7 p.m.) and Angels at Texas (MLB, 9 p.m.).
In the FIFA Women’s World Cup, it’s Germany vs. England (Fox, 3:45 p.m.) for the third place match.
In the World University Games of women’s basketball, it’s U.S. vs. Italy (ESPNU, 9 p.m.). In the men’s FIBA U-19 World University Championship semifinal, it’s U.S. vs. Greece (ESPNU, 1:30 p.m.). The winning country, we presume, will have its national debt forgiven.
Third round play continues at Wimbledon (ESPN, 8 a.m.).
Eric Church plays a replay of “Austin City Limits” (PBS, 11 p.m.), check local listings.
Amy Adams-hosted “Saturday Night Live” (NBC, 11:30 p.m.) from last year is rerun, with a whole lot of One Direction.